Saturday, July 17, 2010

The forecast calls for another heat wave this weekend for most of the United States,so many of you will be looking to water to stay cool.I found a few lovely pools over at The Daily Beast that will at least keep my daydreams chilled!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

If you do not take the local paper, (The Virginian-Pilot) get one today. The latest issue of "Distinction" magazine is out, and it is probably one of the best lifestyle publications I've seen. You can also go to distinctionhr.com and check out current and past issues.

Kudos to the editor, and my friend, Mark Atkinson, for the best issue yet.

Mark: seatedPublisher, John Fall : standing

The summer issue is full of beautiful summer shots and interesting articles that will satisfy the most discerning reader. I was delighted to see my friend Bobby Holland (shown below with his father) featured in an article on Virginia Beach surfing.

And Jeff Marks is looking dapper in his seersucker...

On a national note, my young friend, fashion stylist Claire Magruder...

has hit her stride with the August COVER of Good Housekeeping Magazine!!!

Claire told me that Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thompson were wonderful to work with, and that she received a lovely thank you note from Ms. Thompson.You can click HERE to view a short video of the shoot.

Claire can also be found on the Yahoo lifestyle site, "Shine", discussing the best swimwear trends for summer 2010.

Congratulations to both Mark and Claire. I wish that some of your talent and creativity would rub off on me!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I've been working on a home in Lynchburg for the past year. Prior to spending time there, I had my uneducated prejudices and opinions.My visits have been a real eye opener. Lynchburg is located in the foothills of Virginia on the James river. It is a little over an hour from Charlottesville, and about three and a half hours from Washington, D.C.Formed in 1786, it is home to 3 colleges. There are many charming neighborhoods with beautiful and historic homes. Downtown has a lively restaurant, arts, and shopping scene.

I was delighted to discover a downtown gem on one of my recent visits. Owner Mary Brockman has a great selection of antiques, lighting, accessories, and even the occasional one-of-a-kind fashion and jewelry items. Her cavernous store, Enchanted, showcases an eye for color and design, with a wink toward the eclectic and new.

Right next door is Urban Merchant, Brockman's newest venue, specializing in gifts and other ephemera with a few "flea" and antiques thrown in.

The Farm Basket is a charming roadside garden center, cafe, and specialty shop. I've had several wonderful lunches there. Their garden center is small but first rate.

If you can't visit Lynchburg, The Farm Basket has a great online store. Click HERE to check out their fine gifts, specialty foods, and Virginia specific items.

I am looking forward to returning to this "not so sleepy" town and discovering other hidden treasures.